Notice to consumer before going to collections?

by Penny
(Nashville, TN)

Does a company have to notify you in advance before they turn you over to collection?

Reply from DebtCollectionAnswers.com:

Unfortunately, no. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act does not require notification before an account is turned over for collections. This seems pretty unfair, though, doesn't it? After all, once the collection account is reported to the credit reporting agencies the damage to your credit is done.